Google Maps is the industry leader when it comes to mapping, but for years users have criticized it for not having a fully functional offline navigation capabilities. This changes via an update scheduled to arrive on Android today (the update is coming to iOS 'soon') that brings offline search and navigation to Google Maps.

It works by first prompting the user to save an area and the app downloads an offline map. By default, the map will update once every 15 days with updates happening when the phone is plugged to a charger and connected to Wi-Fi, so that the actual map data is still fairly up to date.

Offline maps are convenient, all about speed

There are some minor limitation: businesses registered on Google Maps will appear with only their names, star ratings, and phone numbers, but there will be no photos or user reviews (this would still be displayed if you have mobile data). You also cannot switch to a satellite view, and there are no offline walking or public transport directions.

But despite all these minor cons, this is a massive update that fixes one of the most often heard comments about Google Maps. Also, it's all about speed.

"We've been working on all of this stuff for two to three years," Google project manager Amanda Bishop said. "Google Maps happened to be really slow or completely unusable in many scenarios due to limited mobile internet. "Users now don't have to do all that screenshot jujitsu before they leave [in case they lose access], and there's much faster load times for search and driving directions."

She further explained that "everybody on our team who uses it can't stand it when they have to use the old app because it's crazy how frequently you find yourself seeing that spinner waiting for results. Once you get used to it returning them in a second every single time, you quickly get used to how snappy the app feels."

posted on Nov 11, 2015, 1:25 AM 2

And you don't think google maps gave wrong directions - don't forget I used google maps exclusively on my 3GS before Apple maps - wrong way on downtown, weird unnecessary detours, even through buildings. I wish I took screenshots back then, just didn't think I had to prove how bad google maps can be - thought everyone knew.
you guys are acting like Apple maps is completely useless - yet half a billion people use iOS devices and with it - Apple maps throughout the world. They don't see. To end up in different cities do they now? I'm not saying Google maps are bad, but for the last few years Apple maps are on par and in some ways better than google maps. Apple put maps together really quickly and it was damn good job compared to decade for google maps development. Now it's absolutely as good as google maps. I know as I have access to both.

posted on Nov 11, 2015, 2:40 AM 1

Posts: 423; Member since: May 10, 2014

"yet half a billion people use iOS devices and with it - Apple maps throughout the world."
How did you come to this conclusion?!
I was using Google Maps on my iOS devices back then, like many many other iOS users! Even my hardcore iFanboys friends have admitted that Apple Maps sucks.

posted on Nov 11, 2015, 10:05 AM 0

Posts: 286; Member since: Feb 28, 2013

posted on Nov 12, 2015, 2:00 AM 0

Posts: 204; Member since: Mar 13, 2015

Yay, Google Maps has finally arrived where Here Maps has been for a few years! I do like Google Maps on a desktop or laptop browser, but don't mess with it on a phone due to offline issues and cell coverage limitations. I may have to give it a try again. It's good to have options.

Posts: 5029; Member since: Mar 30, 2015

posted on Nov 10, 2015, 9:48 AM 1

Posts: 77; Member since: Feb 27, 2012

Except Here Maps is rubbish in terms of functionality and UI. I have used it when it worked. I tried it again a month ago and it was locking up and freezing and did not work so I have uninstalled it and I doubt that I will ever use it again. I have used Copilot for some time that worked fine for me which is fully functioning GPS Navigation app that has more features than anything else on the market. I never liked Waze too childish looking and too busy and very limiting IMHO. I don't encounter traffic much in my daily life so this is not really that important for me.
I can't wait to try new Google Maps which I prefer to any other navigation app. This is nice to have for those moments when you are off the grid in remote areas and it does happen even with Verizon mighty coverage.

posted on Nov 10, 2015, 7:14 PM 0

Posts: 94; Member since: Apr 17, 2015

posted on Nov 10, 2015, 9:21 AM 0

Posts: 229; Member since: Mar 18, 2014

I can't believe Google Maps is only just getting offline navigation, my N8 had it over 4 years ago and I think it was even available on the S60 phones long before that. Still, nice to see Google finally adding this feature, though for the life of me I can't work out why it's taken this long.

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